One of Australia’s oldest art galleries will become Sydney’s newest icon after Arts Minister Don Harwin announced $244 Million for the Art Gallery of New South Wales (NSW) expansion.

State Budget funding for the Sydney Modern Project will turn the 19th century Gallery into a global museum of the future with new spaces for art, live performance and film along with spaces to learn, study and participate in cultural experiences.

“This funding will ensure Australia’s best art gallery is right here in Sydney.” Minister Harwin said.

“For too long NSW has lost out to Melbourne and even Brisbane when it comes to attracting major international art exhibitions but that will change now. The arts play an important role in the visitor economy and are central to the quality of life we enjoy.”

“Sydney Modern Project alone is expected to inject over $1 Billion into the economy over 25 years and create 240 full-time jobs.”

“Thanks to our Government’s strong fiscal management we can make significant investments in arts and cultural infrastructure across NSW.”

Mr. Harwin said the project, being designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects SANAA, will link the existing site in The Domain to the Royal Botanic Garden. The expanded Gallery will also include the nation’s most prominent and innovative display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

“This Government funding brings our vision for the future of the Gallery to life. This generous public money will be complimented by private donations.” Mr. Gonski said.

“Expansion will allow us to display many more of the greatest works of art in our collection, and also double school student visitors to 200,000 a year.” Mr. Brand said.

Project is set to begin construction in 2019 and will be completed in time for the Gallery’s 150th anniversary in 2021.

Sydney Modern funding coincides with a NSW Government announcement by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister Harwin that a new $100 Million Regional Cultural Fund will be launched to support art and cultural projects across regional NSW.